The Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo State is divided over the planned celebration of Workers’ Day, with rival factions issuing conflicting directives to workers.
The Chairman of the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee, Professor Monday Igbafen, in a statement on Thursday, said workers should not celebrate May Day, citing what he described as deep divisions within the labour movement in the state.
He argued that while other state councils of the NLC might have reasons to celebrate, the situation in Edo did not warrant it.
He said, “The labour environment in Edo today cannot and must not inspire celebration. For how can a people divided ever be joyful?”
According to him, “genuine labour leaders and true workers” had resolved to stay indoors to mourn the current state of labour in Edo, urging the public not to be misled.
He added, “Let it be known that tomorrow’s assembly is powered neither by the legitimate leadership of the NLC in Edo State, nor by the National Leadership of Congress. Those behind it are usurpers and hijackers of the Edo State Council of the NLC.
“The Edo NLC is in a quagmire. We are locked in a struggle against the combined forces of reactionaries, impostors, self-imposed leaders, political collaborators, and labour aristocrats. Every genuine effort to reposition this Council has been met with repression. Yet we are not in despair. The struggle continues.
“Therefore, let the record reflect this truth: No pretentious May Day organised, engineered, and bankrolled by compradors can ever keep alive the glorious philosophy of May Day.
“To the public, and especially to every well-meaning worker in Edo State, we say: Do not be deceived. The gathering scheduled for tomorrow at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, is no true reflection of May Day. It is a hoax.”
However, the chairman of the rival faction recognised by the Edo State Government, Bernard Egwakide, dismissed Igbafen’s claims, describing him as unknown to workers in the state.
In a telephone interview, Egwakide said Edo workers would participate in the May Day celebration scheduled to hold at the stadium, with the state governor expected as chief host.
“The name you just mentioned is unknown to me and Edo workers in general. Edo NLC is one, so I am not aware of what you are talking about, nor do I know the name you just mentioned.
“Edo workers are going out tomorrow (today) to mark May Day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and the governor is our chief host. So, I cannot join you to talk about someone unknown to Edo workers,” he stated.
